AI Enters the Cell Block: Russia Pilots Smart Prison Tech to Ease Guard Workload

In a bold move toward digitizing correctional infrastructure, Russia has launched an experimental program called “Digital Correctional Facility”, deploying artificial intelligence to assist prison staff in overseeing inmate populations

The testbed? Penal Colony No. 6 in the Vladimir region.

According to Vladimirskie Vedomosti, the system integrates AI-driven video analytics, facial and voice recognition, and biometric tracking to monitor prisoner movement, detect rule violations in real time, and streamline administrative workflows.

The platform builds dynamic digital profiles of inmates, enabling security personnel to respond proactively to incidents while reducing their burden of routine surveillance. “This is about more than just enhancing security,” said Sergey Shcherbakov, Deputy Director of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). “It’s also about relieving staff from repetitive tasks and letting them focus on higher-level responsibilities.”

If the pilot proves successful, authorities plan to scale the system across other regions as part of a broader strategy to modernize Russia’s penitentiary infrastructure. Analysts note that this aligns with a global trend: bringing AI and automation into tightly controlled environments to boost safety, efficiency, and accountability.